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Description

Saururus cernuus

Also known as:

lizard's tail

,

breast weed

,

water dragon

,

swamp lily

Scientific Synonyms:

Description

Saururus cernuus produces dense, mounding plants made up of heart-shaped leaves up to 6" long, arranged on zigzagging, branching stems. When grown unrestrained, plants will grow to a height of 4', but are typically shorter in cultivation. the tiny white flowers are fragrant and appear on drooping, 6" long terminal racemes that resemble a lizard's tail, hence the common name.

Cultivation

Lizard's tail is a marginal, aquatic perennial. It can be grown as an attractive containerized specimen in a pond or water garden, or be left to naturalize in a large enough setting. It can be found growing in marshes, swamps, bogs, stream margins, and freshwater wetlands in full sun, as well well as under rather dense tree cover. It should be planted in soil that is consistently wet, or may be submerged up to a depth of 4". It will spread by rhizomes to form dense colonies. Zones 4-10

Propagation

Propagate by division, or root cuttings.

Additional Notes

All parts of the plant emit a light citrusy fragrance, particularly when bruised or crushed. The scientific genus Saururus is derived from the Greek word saurus, meaning lizard-like. This is another reference to the flower's appearance. Both the roots and leaves have been known to have anti-inflammatory properties, but should also be considered toxic if ingested in large quantities.